Pensioner Ernest Armstrong has had plenty of life experience to prepare him for his 21st birthday – 84 years in fact.

Ernest was born on February 29, 1928, a leap year, meaning that his birthday only comes around once every four years.

To celebrate Ernest getting the key to the door his friends and family are set to throw the former Army man a 21st birthday party.

He said: "I have never celebrated one like this before. This is the big one and it has taken me a long time to get here. It was always a special birthday when I was younger.

"When it wasn’t a leap year I had smaller birthdays but on the leap year I had big ones.

"If it’s not a leap year I celebrate my birthday on February 28 but legally it is March 1.

"I think it’s unique and I feel I have achieved something special.

"There’s not many of us to begin with and there will be less 21-year-olds now.

" I don’t know any people who have their birthdays on a leap year."

Mr Armstrong, of Coleridge Drive, Baxenden, was serving in the army in Cyprus as part of his national service when he turned 21 back in 1949.

He became a printer worker at Wardleworth printers in Accrington before later becoming managing director of Shuttleworth printers from where he retired 20 years ago.

The former Peel Park Primary School pupil will celebrate his birthday with a family trip to Mytton Fold Farm near Blackburn and said he is getting into the spirit of turning 21.

He said: "I have ordered a cake with 21 on it and 84 in the corners.

" I hope to get a few 21st presents and I suspect I will get a few cards as well but I will have to wait and see.

"All my friends think it’s great.

"My wife is also giving me the key to the front door because I have now officially become an adult."

Were you born on February 29? Tell us about your birthday events by calling us on 0161 211 2977.